"A popular Government without popular
information or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a
Farce
or a Tragedy or perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern
ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own Governors,
must
arm themselves with the power knowledge gives." James Madison, 1822

The National
Archives cares for 1000's of documents that are important to the United
States of America.
You are part of a group that is doing a similar
project for your home state's archive. Which of your state's important
documents would you include on a top 10 list?

5.

Founding father, George
Mason, was an ardent advocate for the enumeration of specific
rights of citizens
in the U.S. Constitution. The
Bill
of Rights was the beginning of this critical task.Compare or
contrast a citizen rights under your state's governing document
with the rights of citizens protected
by the U. S. Constitution. Which provides you with more protections? Worksheet
for PA.

Student RightsWhat documents at your school and/or school district define/outline
your rights?How is this information effectively communicated to
you and your family?
Select one of your rights and identify which
part of the U.S. Constitution supports this right.Are all the students in your school treated equally?

"Politics ought to be the part-time profession
of every citizen who would protect the rights and privileges of
free people
and who would preserve what is good and fruitful in
our national heritage." Dwight D. Eisenhower

Each year, to recognize George Washington's Birthday, a Senator of the United States reads aloud Washington's Farewell Address of 1796.
The message is often cited as an important set of guidelines for citizens and government. President Washington warns against entangling alliances with European powers, big public debt and a large military establishment. (Listen to it)

The Progressive Era (1890 to 1920) was a period of great reform activity in the United States.
Research the period in your state. Identify one woman and one man.
Explain how they contributed to the discourse.
Would you have supported their position? Why or why not?

C-SPAN's StudentCam is an annual national video documentary competition that encourages students to think seriously about issues that affect our communities and our nation. Students are asked to create a short (5-8 minute) video documentary. Accept the challenge.

100
Milestone Documents- The
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has assembled
a set of documents that have had a significant impact on the lives
of Americans. It is a valuable resource for Constitution Day activities. The Teacher
Sourcebook includes an annotated timeline, key themes, guidelines
to primary sources, and detailed lesson plans. These activities can be
useful in preparing for the American History AP exam.